Type: Out-of-town Urban Estate based Community Association,
Location: Drumgallon Estate lies some 3 miles from the centre of Enniskillen on the west end of the town
Background and Rationale
Local residents formed Drumgallon Area Community Association in April 1997. Situated three miles from Enniskillen on the main Enniskillen to Sligo Road, Drumgallon comprises of seven housing estates. They are Cleenish Park, Drumgallon, Glenwood Gardens, Lisgoole Park, Old Drumawill, Orchard Court and Scaffog. The origins of this Group’s development were to address issues of concern such as vandalism, road safety, lack of facilities particularly for the youth in the area and housing issues, etc.
Early on in the Groups development, a Community Audit was conducted which provided statistical information and identified many of the issues of concern experienced among the Drumgallon residents and community. The findings from the survey outlined issues such as lack of community and play facilities for the youth and unemployed in the area, lack of bus shelters and a need for a local post office. In addition residents identified other issues within the area such as ‘Neighbour Nuisance’, drugs, solvent abuse, stray dogs and cats, etc.
Impacts of the Mentoring Programme
Commenting on the impact the mentoring scheme has had on the group, many members have taken up new roles such as chairperson and secretary. In addition some committee members have undertaken the Book-keeping training supplied by the Fermanagh Trust which was found to be of great use to the group.
At a project level, the Group with the help of their Mentor have successfully established Drumgallon Youth Club within their community which runs two nights per week. The Youth Club runs out of the local Jones Memorial Primary School which is directly adjacent to the Estate. One night is for the younger children and the second night is for the older children. In all, some 60 children are registered with and actively participate in the activities of the Club. This is seen by the group and the parents of the children as a massive achievement for the area where previously there were no youth activities and or organization. The feedback from the children has been extremely positive.
As a result of developing the Youth Club, new community members have enrolled on the Committee and have taken an active role in the development of the Drumgallon Area Community Association. Members outlined how the Fermanagh Trust Mentoring Programme provided the confidence and motivation to move the Youth Project forward.
The Youth Club developed as a result of the identification of the need for it through the planning activity that was facilitated by the Fermanagh Trust Community and Voluntary Group Mentoring Programme. Having identified the fact that there was severe youth problems and no activities in the area, the Group were encouraged by the Mentor to approach the Western Education and Library Board’s Divisional Youth Officer. At this time the Officer was looking for a suitable area to run the Need to Know Youth Project. This project was the result of a collaboration between the Board and several other organizations with an interest in Youth development and empowerment. Been able to demonstrate that they had undertaken a thorough needs assessment within their community and subsequently drawn-up a plan from it, the Group was successful in bringing this 3 month project to their community. This was to be a Pilot, a viability check for any future proposed youth project/ programme.
The Need to Know Project ran from November 2000 to the end of February 2001.
The group outlined that they have noticed significant changes in the community as a result of the new projects. With reference to the development of the Drumgallon Youth Club, children in the area are more enthusiastic and feel they have something to look forward to on a weekly basis. It is also a good opportunity for socialising and building friendships within the Estate.
Drumgallon Area Community Association have also noticed an increase in parental involvement with regard to the Youth activity. One member outlined, “Many parents attended the registration night. Parents are definitely taking a more active role and are represented on the Youth Club committee”.
These recent developments in Drumgallon have contributed to an enhanced community spirit which in turn has increased the group’s determination to further improve the area for the local community.
As a result of an ME awareness course held in the local community, a group from the area now operates on a monthly basis from the Erne Hospital.
When asked if the mentoring support objectives had been met the group explained “They were fully met”.
When asked what was the most useful experience overall for their Group through the Fermanagh Trust Community and Voluntary Group Mentoring Programme, the Group stated, “It put us on the right road. We could release all our problems to the mentor”.
